IO Hawk

io hawk hoverboard accident lawyer

The latest popular transportation device is a self-balancing board called the IO Hawk. Many say the device is similar to a Segway, however, it doesn't have handlebars and works as you shift your weight and balance through your feet and body. For example, if you were to lean forward, the Hawk would move forward, and if you were to lean backwards slightly, the board would travel backwards. If you were to apply pressure with your left foot, you would turn left, and if you were to apply pressure with your right foot, you would turn right.

According to Digital Trends, the self-balancing board measured 24.65 inches long and weighs 22 pounds, with a speed of up to 6 mph. It can tackle slight inclines and handle bumps and cracks up to ½ inch, as long as you prepare yourself and bend your knees, so your knees act as suspension. The battery can last up to 10 to 12 miles.  The IO Hawk is equipped with a set of lights in the rear of the devise as a safety precaution against accidents. The IO Hawk is available for purchase at the price of $1799. However, there are other companies that are manufacturing similar products, with prices ranging from $300 to $800.

 

According to Wired magazine, "PhunkeeDuck and IO Hawk are the two biggest players in this nascent scooter market, but there are many others. There’s Oxboard, Cyboard, Scoot, Future Foot, Monorover, Airboard, Freego, Esway, Airwheel, iEZWay, Overoad, and a hundred names more along the lines of Two Wheels Smart Self Balancing Scooters Drifting Board Electric.” 

Recently, IO Hawk released a statement regarding the legal plagiarism of their product. They announced that recently they have detected a high level of legal plagiarism both nationally and internationally, with companies even advertising with the name of IO Hawk. According to IO Hawk, the device was first shown at the world's largest electronic show “CES” in Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2015. The fake devices do not have the typical IO mark on the wheels, the footprint also does not have the IO mark , as well as different style and cheap LED lights at the rear of the device.

Most importantly, during the statement IO Hawk released on plagiarism, the growing company discussed the safety issues of other products. They pointed out that the counterfeit products have features which are unsafe. One issue they talked about from other companies, was that counterfeits would sometimes turn off without any warning during operation, which could lead to accidents and personal injuries.

According to Wired Magazine, neither IO Hawk or PhunkeeDuck came up with the idea of this type of scooter, but many details remain to be determined. Currently, there is a sizable controversy regarding which company truly invented of the self-balancing board capable of quickly moving riders down sidewalks and streets. Wired Magazine stated that this new way of travel started in China with the invention of the Smart S1, by Chinese company Chic Robotics. The Smart S1 was debuted in August 2014 during a Chinese commercial. Later on, in the fall of 2014, it was shown at the Canton Fair, which is China's largest trade show. This was before the Las Vegas “CES” convention in January 2015 that we mentioned previously.

If you have been involved in an accident involving the IO Hawk, or a scooter, moped or other similar device, contact an attorney today at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers specialize in all types of personal injury cases and are ready to help you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

Bad Roads in Detroit, Michigan

poor road condition accident lawyer

Recently, a report was released by a national transportation research group called Trip. According to this report, 56% of major roads in the Detroit, Michigan urban are are in poor condition. The report also showed that these road conditions are costing Detroit area drivers an average of $866 each year in additional motor vehicle operating costs. Among all of the large urban areas in the country (500,000+ population), the Detroit urban area ranks fourth for percentage of roads in bad condition, behind San Francisco, California, Los Angeles, California, and Concord, California. In addition to ranking poorly for percentage of roads in bad condition, Detroit ranks sixth in the annual costs to motorists of driving on rough roads.

'This report from TRIP validates what drivers already suspect -- that the state’s roads are among the roughest in the nation,' said Denise Donohue, director of the County Road Association of Michigan. 'To improve the conditions of the state’s roads will require additional funding from the state legislature and Congressional approval of a long-term, adequately funded, federal surface transportation program.'

Each year people are injured or killed on Michigan roads and highways due to poor road quality and conditions. Bad road conditions that contribute to auto accidents can include confusing, damaged, or missing signs, unsalted roads during the winter, lack of traffic signals, pot holes, uneven shoulders, lack of light during the nighttime, crumbling asphalt, and much more. According to the report, more than a quarter of the nation's major urban roads are rated in substandard or poor condition, providing motorists with rough rides and increasing the cost of operating a vehicle.

If you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident caused by poor road quality or conditions, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys specialize in all types of auto accident lawsuits. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today.

Train Service between Detroit And Grand Rapids Taking Shape

public transportation accident lawyer

A train service between Detroit, Michigan, and Grand Rapids, Michigan, could be reinstated within the next decade if state transportation experts can determine if the public wants a new line and can figure out how to pay for it. According to the Detroit News, supports say the idea of connecting Michigan's two largest cities by train would be a good idea and is gaining appeal on both sides of the state. Both sides of the state are currently undergoing economic revivals, making the passenger train service more appealing to business travelers and tourists. A lot of people also how family members and friends on the other side of the state, and this service would be beneficial to them as well.

The Michigan Environmental Council, a group based in Lansing, Michigan, that supports increasing public transportation options, has undertaken a $100,000 feasibility study and started a series of hearings this summer in order to get the public's input. Hearings are scheduled for later this month in the cities of Dearborn, Plymouth, Ypsilanti, and Brighton. In addition to this, the Ann Arbor Transportation Authority and the Michigan Department of Transportation are also involved.

'There really is not a way to connect to Michigan’s major cities and our coasts without taking a car,' said Elizabeth Treutel, a transportation police expert with the council. 'There are no rail options. If Michigan wants to be competitive, if we want to attract talent, if we want to keep our college-educated people here, we have to have more and better options to get around. And people have to be willing to recognize that and invest in it.'

Michigan hasn't had a train service from Grand Rapids to Detroit since Amtrack began in 1971. Even supporters acknowledge that re-instituting the service will be a challenge. Organizers have said that the line could take a decade to implement and that if it were to compete with traveling by car, it would have to travel between 79 and 110 mph. The idea has recently gained more appeal and could be in the works soon, but the high costs may prove to be a roadblock for this costly Michigan project. 

If you are ever involved in public transportation accident or any other type of auto accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. We handle train accidents, Amtrack accidents, bus accidents, trolley accidents, and even boating accidents. 

Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of personal injury lawsuits. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today. 

Man Shot At A Gas Station In Inkster, Michigan

robbery injury accident

On Monday, July 20th, at around 8:35 pm, at a Marathon gas station in Inkster, Michigan, at the intersection of Inkster Road and Avondale Street, a man was shot in the face, during which seemed to be a robbery. According to the Detroit News, Police are hoping that with information obtained from citizens and camera video from the gas station, will help them track down a suspect who seriously wounded the man. Interim Inkster Police Chief Joseph said, “I love to see citizen participation like this. Inkster is becoming a community that is developing a low tolerance for violence and crime. Once you have police and citizens working together, then it’s just a matter of time until we find this individual.”

'It appears that the victim was preparing to pump gas when a dark SUV pulled up with two males inside,' Thomas said. 'They went over and talked to the victim in what appears on the video to be a casual conversation. Then one produced a handgun and shot the victim in the face.'

Thomas described the shooting as some kind of robbery. “We’re pretty sure it was some kind of robbery because drug deals don’t usually go down at gas stations,” Thomas said. Robberies are common in the United States, especially Michigan, with Detroit's high crime rates. According to the FBI, in 2012, there were an estimated 354,520 robberies nationwide. These robberies accounted for an estimated $414 million in loses. In 2012, according to City Data, in the city of Detroit, Michigan, alone, there were 4, 843 robberies. That year, in the state of Michigan as a whole, there were 10,379 robberies.

Oftentimes, robberies like this one in particular, can lead to serious and possibly life-threatening injuries. If you are ever involved in any type of personal injury accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneyswill work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law.

GM Switch Recall 'Triggered Change At NHTSA'

In November, 2014, General Motors recalled more than 2 million Chevrolet Cobalts and other small cars with faulty ignition switches. These faulty ignitions could unexpectedly turn off the engine, which would then disable power steering, power breaks, and the airbags, drastically increasing the likelihood of serious auto accidents. Recently, in July 2015, the death toll from the faulty ignition switch issue rose to 121. On top of this, this defect has also lead to 14 serious injuries and 237 minor injuries in related motor vehicle crashes. In 2014, GM had to pay the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) $35 million, due to the fact that GM failed to report the ignition switch recall in a timely manner.

recall accident attorney

According to the Detroit Free Press, this week, Mark Rosekind, the federal government's chief auto safety official, said that GM's ignition switch crisis "triggered change at NHTSA." Rosekind said that he wants the agency to have a more direct and more clear emphasis on safety. Rosekind met with reporters in Detroit, Michigan on Monday, July 20th, and discussed a wide range of issues pertaining to this recall. Currently, he is trying to convince Congress and voters that NHTSA needs more money and more people to do its job. The agency wants to increase their budget, in order to triple the spending for investigating defects, in order to improve safety, reduce crashes, prevent injuries, and save lives.

Rosekind also mentioned that he wants to use advanced technology in order to make vehicles safer and reduce auto accident injuries. He mentioned that he's trying to sort out what new regulations and guidelines are needed as car companies start to build cars with new technology, including automated and self-driving cars.

'Given the resources we have, we're going to use all available tools to get things done,' he said. 'Having said all of that that, I don't mind telling you that I also think one of our agendas clearly – because I keep talking about this – is to try to get the auto industry more proactive. Everybody is reactive, even NHTSA.'

If you have been injured in a car crash involving a recall or defective car, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are here to help you with questions about insurance problems, medical expenses, and pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us at 844.4MI.FIRM today for a free consultation.

Man from Roseville, Michigan Dies After Car Flips

On Wednesday, July 20th, 2015, a 26-year-old man from Roseville Michigan, was killed in a car accident as the vehicle flipped over in Warren, Michigan. The passenger of the vehicle did not die, but was sent to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The names of the driver and the passenger have not been released. The auto accident still remains under investigation.

seat belt accident lawyer

According to the Detroit Free Press, the car was traveling northbound on Mound Road near Martin Road at around 5:25 am, when the driver of the 1998 Jeep Cherokee lost control while making a lane change. The jeep ended up coming off of the road, hitting the curb, which then flipped the vehicle. The car then struck a fire hydrant on the driver's side roof area, killing the driver. Alcohol is not believed to have been a factor in the accident, and both occupants were wearing their seat belts during this tragic accident.

Unfortunately for the driver in this accident, the impact of the fire hydrant killed him. The passenger in this accident was lucky to survive, and the seat belt most likely played a role in this. According to the CDC, adult seat belt use is the most effective way to save lives and reduces injuries in motor vehicle accidents. Seat belts reduce serious crash-related injuries and deaths by about half. Of the teens the died in car crashes in 2012, approximately 55% of them were not wearing their seat belt at the time of the crash.

If you are injured in a car or motorcycle accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers are highly experienced in dealing with all types of personal injury accidents. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation. 

Some Residents Want 2011 Michigan Fireworks Law Repealed

After recent federal holidays, many Michigan residents are unhappy about the 2011 Michigan Fireworks law, and want it extinguished. Those in the fireworks industry argue that a repeal would eliminate jobs, businesses and revenue for local owners. The 2011 Michigan Fireworks Law allows fireworks to be used the day before, the day of, and the day after 10 federal holidays.

Firework injury attorney
“It’s pure hell out there,” said Jackie Prusak of Howell, who said she has to spend $200 medicating her dogs prior to Independence Day because they are so spooked by fireworks and who, in 2012, had to use a garden hose to put out a lit firework that landed on a shed. “It’s beyond out of control out here.”

According to the Detroit Free Press, Jeff Perry, a resident of Southgate, Michigan, said that he thought the thrill of the Michigan law allowing more powerful fireworks would have worn off after three years. This year, however, has been the worst, Perry Said. He said that his dog goes crazy and barks after hearing fireworks, which recently woke him up in the middle of the night, sometimes even on work nights.

Firework revenues in the recent past have increased since 2006. According to the American Pyrotechnics Association, consumer firework revenues have climbed from $600 million in 2006 to $695 million last year. They also predicted that revenues could exceed $725 million for the 2015 season if the law stays in tact. In addition to fireworks being loud and obnoxious to many residents, they also can be very dangerous. According to the National Fire Protection Association, in 2011, fireworks caused an estimated 17,800 reported fires in the Unites States. In 2013, hospitals around the US treated an estimated 11,400 people for firework-related injuries.

If you or someone you know suffers from a firework injury, or is involved in any other type of personal injury accident, contact an attorney at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our lawyers specialize in all types of personal injury cases. Call us today for a free consultation at 844.4MI.FIRM.

2 People Die In Attempt To Flee Police In Troy, Michigan

On Monday, July 20th, 2015, around 2:30 am, Troy Police attempted to pull over a black 2000 Ford Mustang for reckless driving near the intersection of Long Lake Road and John R Road. According to the Detroit News, the driver attempted to flee the cops, then lost control of his car and crashed near 19 mile, east of Dequindre Road in Sterling Heights. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, and the passenger in the car died shortly after at Troy Beaumont Hospital due to injuries from the accident.

Impaired Driving Lawyer

The police did not release the names of either the driver or the passenger, and the crash is still currently under investigation by Sterling Heights Police. A preliminary investigation by Troy Police indicates that alcohol may have been a factor in the car accident. The driver may have attended a party in Troy before the crash. A Troy police officer saw the motor vehicle driving recklessly out of a Troy subdivision and continued high speeds on John R road. Troy Police terminated it's involvement after the vehicle crossed Troy's border.

Impaired driving causes car crashes around the globe every day, which a lot of the time involves being under the influence of alcohol. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2012, more than 10,000 people died in alcohol in alcohol-impaired driving crashes, which is one every 51 minutes. Alcohol-impaired motor vehicle accidents cost more than an estimated $37 billion annually in damages. Whenever you plan on having a night out and you know you are going to be drinking, make sure you have a designated driver beforehand. Doing so can save your life, as well as others on the road.

If you are ever involved in an alcohol-impaired car accident or any other crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys are experienced in handling all types of auto accident. Call 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation today. 

Time for a New Car?

SUV Accident Attorney

Understanding when to upgrade your car is critical to minimizing the odds of being involved in an auto accident. Consumer Reports recently published an article outlining "tips for deciding if you need a new car."  

Consumer Reports advises:

So should you hang on to your old wheels? It depends on a lot of factors, including the condition of your car and your finances. Think about cost, safety, and connectivity. If your mechanic is spending more time with your car than you do and your repair bills are close to new-car payments, it’s probably time to trade up. Or your car may run well, but rust or collision damage can make it structurally unsound. The only older cars worth keeping are the ones that are reliable and safe.
At a minimum, an older car should have electronic stability control and curtain air bags. Both are lifesavers.
Going with a new car is the best way to get the latest electronic safety gear, such as forward-collision and lane-departure warning systems, as well as features like a blind-spot warning system and a rear backup camera. And only the newest vehicles excel in the latest difficult insurance-industry crash tests.  

Consumer Reports also breaks down the three things consumers should consider before buying a new car.

#1 Money

  • How much a car with higher mph will save you?

  • How much does it costs to repair your current car?

  • How much value will the new car lose?

#2 Safety

  • What safety features should every car have?

  • How to make your car even safer?

#3 Connected Features

  • What basic features should come with new cars?

  • What specialty items come in new cars? (voice command, GPS, etc.)

To see the Consumer Reports article and the charts and info-graphics, click the source link below.

Source: Consumer Reports

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Below is a video of Amy, a woman who was involved in a serious accident and suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  Watch the video below to hear Amy's story from the time of the accident where her head was injured, treatment in the hospital emergency room, the frustrating therapy she had to endure, and her recovery as well.  

Harvard Professor Of Medicine Weighs In On Whiplash Injuries From Auto Accidents

Harvard Auto Accident

Just yesterday, Harvard Health tweeted an article where Dr. Anthony Komaroff, MD, a practicing physician in Internal Medicine, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and Editor of Harvard Health Letter, answered the following question:

"I was in a car accident several months ago and got whiplash. I still have neck pain. Is this normal?"

Dr. Komaroff responded by stating in pertinent part that:

Whiplash damage to muscles and ligaments should heal within a few months. If your symptoms continue, talk with your doctor. He or she can check for injuries to the facet joints and disks. On very rare occasions, there may be a problem that can be corrected by surgery. But most people recover from whiplash through physical therapy and regular exercise.
Injury Lawyer

Dr. Komaroff also suggested that doctors sometimes treat whiplash symptoms with pain pills, facet joint injections, and even sometimes with radiofrequency neurotomy, where heat is used to block out the pain.

If you have been injured in an auto accident, always seek the appropriate medical attention and listen to the advise of your treating medical providers so that they can help you on your path to recovery after an accident where injuries have occurred.

Source: Ask Dr. K




Woman Flips Car in Roseville, Michigan Crash

Car Crash Attorney

Two Michigan residents involved in a motor vehicle accident on July 14, 2015 were luckier than most people in their position: they came out of the crash with non-life-threatening injuries. According to the Detroit Free Press, the car accident occurred around 11 p.m. on July 14, 2015 when a man from Roseville, Michigan stopped in the right lane at a red light while he was heading northbound on Gratiot at 14 Mile Road. Unfortunately, instead of also stopping at the stop light, a woman from Mt. Clemens, Michigan driving behind the man smashed into his SUV.
 
This unnamed woman hit the man’s SUV so hard with her car that her car flipped. As previously mentioned, the two victims of the car crash came out of the incident alive. However, it has yet to be determined by the police whether or not the woman was under the influence of drugs or alcohol when she caused this terrifying crash. After receiving the result of drug tests run on the woman, police will have to determine if charges will be filed against her. Police also did not release the name of either the 46 year old man or the 38 year old woman involved in the automobile accident.
 
While these two Michiganders did not sustain any life-threatening injuries, it certainly does not mean that they have not sustained other serious injuries that they will have to cope with for the rest of their lives. Car accidents are a dangerous and common cause of injury. Most victims of motor vehicle accidents endure broken bones, brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and even post-traumatic stress disorder, just to name a few consequences of serious accidents. These injuries may require months or even years to recover from and oftentimes cause accident victims to accumulate tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills. 

If you have been involved in a car accident, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced attorneys help victims of motor vehicle accidents handle expensive medical bills and deal with car insurance companies who frequently deny claims. Speak to an attorney today by calling 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.  

Michigan Dog Mauling

Dog Bite LAwyer

On July 23, 2014, Craig Sytsma, a 46 year old father of three, was attacked by a dog while he was jogging in Lapeer County, MI.  Unfortunately, he died in the arms of a woman who was coming to his rescue.

 WOOD Channel 8 reported:

“I have nightmares every night,” Sytsma’s mother, Jacque Sytsma, told the judge and the couple during the Tuesday sentencing. “I am running, I am running to help him and I can’t get to him, and I don’t think that will ever leave. Never.”
The owners of the dogs, Sebastiano Quagliata and his wife, Valbona Lucaj, were originally charged with second-degree murder, reportedly the first murder charge ever filed in Michigan for a dog attack. They later pleaded no contest to owning a dangerous dog causing death.
Lapeer County Circuit Judge Nick Holowka sentenced them to at least 4 years and 9 months in prison and up to 15 years. They both got credit for a year already served.

Dog bites and dog attacks are all too frequent across Michigan.  If you or someone you know has been bitten, scratched, or attacked by a dog, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC today at 844.4MI.FIRM.  Our accident attorneys are ready to help you receive any compensation you are entitled to under Michigan law.



Toyota Recalls Over a Half a Million Hybrid Cars

Toyota Accident Attorney

International automaker Toyota has just recalled over half a million of its hybrid cars because of a serious software issue.  This software problem can lead to the car just shutting down while driving along the roadway, increasing the odds of a serious car crash.  In total, 625,000 Toyota hybrid vehicles were recalled for this particular problem.  Approximately 120,000 of these recalled vehicles were sold in the United States.

Business Insider reports:

The Japanese automaker said the problem was linked to software that controls a power converter, similar to an issue last year that led to the recall of 1.9 million Prius cars -- Toyota's biggest ever for its signature petrol-electric vehicle.

The latest call back affected the Prius V, which is also sold as the Prius Alpha and Prius+, as well as some Auris hybrid vehicles.

More than half the recalled vehicles were sold in Japan with most of the others in North America and Europe between May 2010 and November 2014.

While there are not any officially connected reports of injury or death associated with this recall, Business Insider reports Toyota stating " In limited instances, the hybrid system might shut down while the vehicle is being driven, resulting in the loss of power, bringing the vehicle to stop."

Mercedes Pre-Safe Sound & Auto Accident Ear Injury Prevention

Mercedes Accident Lawyer

Mercedes-Benz has recently announced that its upcoming model E-Class sedan will be equipped with new car safety technology designed to protect the ear drums of drivers and passengers during an automobile accident.  Mercedes is calling the auto accident ear injury prevention technology, "Pre-Safe Sound."

As reported by Wired:

[O]ur bodies have a special trick to protect us from the damage that kind of sound can do. When your ear hears a sudden loud noise, the acoustic reflex contracts the stapedius muscle in the middle ear to block out the sound, protecting the sensitive eardrums and other bits of the inner ear.
Mercedes has taken advantage of this in the E-Class, with a new feature called Pre-Safe Sound. When the car senses an imminent impact (using onboard cameras and ultrasonic sensors), the stereo plays a loud static-type noise around 85 decibels. It’s not so loud that it hurts, but it’s loud enough to trigger the acoustic reflex and protect the ear from the much louder sound of the accident that arrives a moment later.

This is terrific innovation in the car safety arena.  Damage to the ears or eardrums is not entirely uncommon in auto accidents as hearing loss can occur.  Simply by emitting static noise before the impact, Mercedes has been able to minimize ear injuries in auto accidents. Below, you can watch a video of how the Pre-Sound system works on these Mercedes sedans. 



Safer Alternative To Traditional Car Tires

The South Korean manufacturer, Hankook, has been developing a non-pneumatic tire in recent years with the hope of building a better car tire and limiting costly and oftentimes painful auto accidents.  Their current fifth-generation tire model which does not require air pressure is called the “iFlex.”  

Wired just published an article about these tires and summed up Hankook's new tire concept:

Now, Hankook has completed initial testing on its fifth-generation airless tire, dubbed the iFlex. The tires do not require any air pressure, instead relying on a new type of eco-friendly material (Hancook demurs when asked for details). Geometric shapes built into the material provide the bounce and springiness normally provided by air pressure. But, unlike the previous iFlex, this version’s designed to mount onto a traditional rim, making it compatible with current vehicles.

According to Wired, the iFlex is also in late stage testing and has been able to perform on normal rims at up to 80 mph while roughly matching the performance of traditional inflatable car tired.

Flat Tire Attorney

Once the technology for non-pneumatic tires is perfected it may prove as a much safer alternative to conventional car tires.  While testing is not completed yet, we can anticipate that these new breeds of tires will be significantly less susceptible to blow-outs, flat tires, or other significant tire damage that might occur while driving on the roadway.

Large numbers of auto accidents could be prevented by reducing or eliminating roadway blow-outs and flat tires.

Even more, this could be a costs saver to Michigan drivers and drivers across the rest of the world.  Conceivably, these new types of tires would require less maintenance and may even last longer than the traditional tire once perfected.

Market integration would not be much of a challenge to non-pneumatic tires because Hankook’s version is already compatible with standard car rims so they should be easily adapted to most if not all standard cars. 

Bike Accident Causes Fatality in Farmington Hills, Michigan

Bike Accident Attorney

Police in Farmington Hills, Michigan are urging anyone who may have witnessed an accident between a bicyclist and a vehicle to step forward with any information that they may have regarding the crash. Late night, around 10:50 p.m. on July 4th, 2015, a bicyclist accidently stepped into the path of a car. The unfortunate incident took place on 8 Mile Road near Grand River in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
 
The bicyclist was immediately taken to the local Botsford Hospital but was unable to recover from the crash. He was identified as a 48 year old man from Livonia, Michigan, but that is the only information Farmington Police gave regarding this case.
 
As the police do not have much information regarding the accident and have no reason to believe that drugs and alcohol were involved, they are asking anyone who may have witnessed the fatal accident to contact the Farmington Hills Police Command Desk with any information.
 
Though less common than motor vehicle accidents which involve one or more cars, motor vehicle accidents which involve bicycles are still quite prevalent. And while motor vehicle accidents involving one or more cars are quite dangerous, motor vehicle accidents involving bicycles can be even more deadly. This is for the obvious reason that a bicyclist simply isn’t as protected in a car crash as well as an automobile driver is. Bicyclists don’t have the support of a car’s metal frame to absorb the blow of the crash. This is very likely the reason why the man in the Farmington Hills crash was immediately pronounced dead upon arriving at the hospital.
 
Those who are lucky enough to survive car accidents however have a whole other can of worms awaiting them after a car crash. Though they are lucky to be alive, they unluckily are subjected to the many injuries inflicted by the motor vehicle accident, including physical injuries such as broken bones, head injuries, or paralysis, and mental injuries such as post-traumatic stress disorder. What’s worse is when treatment for these injuries becomes insanely expensive and car insurance companies deny victims claims.

If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and are dealing with insurance problems, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our experienced lawyers are experts when it comes to helping victims of car accidents and bike accidents receive any compensation they may be entitled to under Michigan law. Let our attorneys fight for you so that you can focus on a peaceful recovery. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

Keeping Children Safe On Playgrounds

playground accident lawyer

Playgrounds can be fun for children to play on, but also dangerous at times. According to the CDC, each year in the United States, 200,000 children under the age of 14 are sent to the emergency room with playground-related injuries. This may be related to injuries sustained on playgrounds in neighborhoods, parks, schools, or even in the back yard.  Injuries oftentimes come from monkey-bars, slides, and other faulty jungle gym equipment. 

Playgrounds can cause a variety of injuries including broken bones, concussions, dislocations, and internal injuries. About 45% of playground-related injuries cause these injuries, as well as amputations. About 75% of nonfatal injuries related to playground equipment occur on public playgrounds, mostly at school and daycare centers.

To avoid accidents like these and trips to the emergency room, families should establish rules for play-sets and trampolines. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has listed some potential trampoline rules in order to help families and prevent injuries.

  • Do not attempt somersaults because landing on the head or neck can cause paralysis

  • No one under 6 should use a full size trampoline

  • Anyone using a trampoline should be supervised

"Rules are very important that every house has. It's rules for play, don't go up on the roof, don't stand up on a monkey bar, things that children sometimes like to do as daredevils," said Jack Zagrodzki, the vice president of marketing for the Doll Hospital and Toy Soldier Shop in Berkley, Michigan

As well as establishing rules, when purchasing a play-set, you should make sure you have a good surface for the playground to be placed on. According to the CPSC, 60 percent of all injuries on playgrounds are caused by falls to the ground and occur upon impact. The CPSC recommend surfaces like wood chips or sand, so that if a child does fall off the play structure, there's a protective surface to land on.

Source: Click On Detroit

If you or someone you know has been involved in an accident, contact a lawyer at The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident attorneys specialize in all types of personal injury cases. We will work to ensure you obtain all benefits you are entitled to under Michigan law. Call us today at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.

65,000 SUVs Recalled By Land Rover In The US

Recall accident attorney

On Wednesday, July 8, 2015, Jaguar Land Rover announced that they're recalling around 65,000 SUVs in the United States. According to Click On Detroit, the recall is due to an issue with the doors not latching properly, which could lead to the door flying open while driving. In documents filed with US safety regulators, Land Rover said that they traced the problem to a software glitch in the key-less entry system. After receiving multiple complaints from drivers, the company began looking into the problem in October, 2014. No auto accidents or injuries have been reported because of this issue yet. The SUV recall begins on August 7, 2015, and Land Rover dealers will update the key-less entry software at no cost to drivers, including those in Michigan.

This is not Land Rover's first recall of 2015. In February, 2015, Land Rover recalled 99,327 Range Rover models that dated back to 2006 for brake hoses that could potentially rupture. According to Car And Driver, there were two separate recalls. One which includes the 2013-2014 Range Rover and 2014 Range Rover Sport for brake vacuum hoses that may have been routed incorrectly. The second recall involved the previous generation, 2006-2012 Range Rover. The issue was for front brake fluid hoses that could rupture and disable the front brakes, thereby drastically increasing the odds of an auto accident.

Safety recalls are becoming a major issue as they seem to be reoccurring frequently, especially with General Motors and Toyota. According to Forbes, General Motors have recently faced issues regarding over a million models from 2005-2007 with faulty ignition switches, and Toyota have agreed to a $1.2 billion penalty to settle a criminal probe over claims of unintended acceleration, which led to a recall of over 10 million vehicles. As such, The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC will continue to monitor important information regarding major recalls that affect Michigan drivers.

Car accidents oftentimes are caused by recall issues like these, which can lead to serious injuries including, traumatic brain injuries, and broken or fractured bones. If you have been injured in a car crash, call The Michigan Law Firm, PLLC. Our accident lawyers are available to help you with questions and we specialize in handling insurance issues, assisting with medical expenses, and retrieving pain and suffering benefits as allowed by Michigan law. Call us today, at 844.4MI.FIRM for a free consultation.